This is a guide to the LaTeXtypesetting system. It is intended as a useful resource for everybody, from new users who wish to learn, to old hands who need a quick reference.

TeX and LaTeX

TeX is a typesetting computer program created by Donald Knuth, originally for his magnum opus, The Art of Computer Programming. It takes a "plain" text file and converts it into a high-quality document for printing or on-screen viewing. LaTeX is a macro system built on top of TeX that aims to simplify its use and automate many common formatting tasks. It is the de-facto standard for academic journals and books, and provides some of the best typography free software has to offer.

This book is organized into different parts:

Getting Started will provide you with the very first steps to print your first document, from installing the needed software to basic concepts and syntax.

Common Elements discusses common features you would expect from a document processor, including fonts, layout, colors, lists, and figures.

Mechanics are some topics that are not really necessary to write a basic document, but could help you understand how some parts of the system work. These topics are required for fine-tuning documents. Use them as support for various chapters, as they are often being referred to.